What Happens If a Critical Stage Inspection Is Missed?
Critical stage inspections are an important part of the NSW building-certification process.
They allow the Principal Certifier to inspect specified parts of the work at the appropriate stage, including work that may no longer be visible once construction continues.
Missing an inspection can create delays, additional documentation requirements and potential difficulties when applying for an Occupation Certificate.
What Is a Critical Stage Inspection?
A Principal Certifier is appointed to undertake mandatory inspections during construction and determine whether the completed building is suitable for occupation.
The required inspection stages depend on the building and project. They may include stages involving footings, reinforcement, framework, waterproofing, stormwater, fire-protecting construction and completed building work.
Additional inspections may also be required depending on the development, approval conditions and complexity of the work.
Why Does the Timing Matter?
Some building elements become concealed as construction progresses.
For example, reinforcement may be covered by concrete, wall framing may be lined and waterproofing may be covered by tiles or other finishes.
If the certifier is not given an opportunity to inspect the work at the required stage, it may become difficult to confirm that the concealed work complies with the approved plans and applicable requirements.
What Happens When an Inspection Is Missed?
The Principal Certifier should be contacted as soon as the missed inspection is discovered.
NSW requirements provide a process for documenting and assessing a missed inspection. The Principal Certifier must consider the circumstances and the available evidence before determining how the matter can be addressed.
Depending on the situation, this could involve:
- Reviewing photographs and supporting records
- Requesting certificates from engineers or other specialists
- Requiring parts of the work to be exposed
- Arranging an additional inspection
- Requesting further documentation
- Directing that work stop until the matter is assessed
- Requiring non-compliant work to be rectified
A missed inspection is not automatically resolved simply because photographs are available. The information required will depend on the inspection stage, the work involved and the circumstances.
Missing a mandatory inspection can delay the project and may affect whether an Occupation Certificate can ultimately be issued.
Who Is Responsible for Booking Inspections?
The builder or person managing the construction work should understand which inspections are required and ensure the certifier receives sufficient notice.
The inspection schedule should be discussed before construction begins and kept available throughout the project.
Owners should also make sure there is clear communication between the builder and Principal Certifier rather than assuming each inspection has automatically been organised.
How Can Missed Inspections Be Prevented?
A few practical steps can reduce the risk:
- Obtain the inspection schedule before starting work.
- Give a copy to the builder and site supervisor.
- Confirm how much notice the certifier requires.
- Do not cover work until the required inspection has been completed.
- Keep inspection records and supporting documents together.
- Contact the certifier whenever there is uncertainty about the next stage.
Good communication is much easier than attempting to reconstruct evidence after work has been concealed.
Arrange Your Inspections With Certiscope
Reaching an important stage of construction?
Contact Certiscope before the work is covered or the project progresses to the next stage. The required inspections and notice periods can then be confirmed for your development.